The Maple Grove

A large number of maples trees grew on Saint-Bernard Island in Marguerite d’Youville’s time. From the beginning, a sugar shack is mentioned where sap is collected to produce maple sugar and syrup. In 1895, the original maple grove is razed by a cyclone and again in 1910 by a hurricane. The sugar shack is relocated to current location on island’s eastern half. From 1940 to 1972 when operations ceased, it enjoyed its period of glory with regular springtime visits from Nuns, students from surrounding schools, and regular local visitors. While part of the maple production directly supplied the congregation’s Motherhouse, most is purchased by individuals from Châteauguay or by other religious congregations.

Sugar shack, [195-196-]. Photography: author unknown. Grey Nuns of Montréal’s Archives, Châteauguay Manor’s Fonds, L004-Y17-1-F

Sugar Shack, [196-]. Photography: author unknown. Grey Nuns of Montréal’s Archives, Châteauguay Manor’s Fonds, L004-Y17E

Sister Marguerite Hudon, s.g.m., at the sugar shack, 1957. Photography: author unknown. Grey Nuns of Montréal’s Archives, Châteauguay Manor’s Fonds, L004-Y

Sister Marguerite Hudon, s.g.m., and employees at the sugar shack, 1957. Photography: author unknown. Grey Nuns of Montréal’s Archives, Châteauguay Manor’s Fonds, L004-Y

Revenue and expenses from the maple grove, 1971. Grey Nuns of Montréal’s Archives, Châteauguay Manor’s Fonds, L004-H-08

Sugar party, March 1971. Photography: author unknown. Grey Nuns of Montréal’s Archives, Châteauguay Manor’s Fonds, L004-Y

Sugar party, 1970. Photography: author unknown. Grey Nuns of Montréal’s Archives, Châteauguay Manor’s Fonds, L004-Y

Novices at the Châteauguay maple grove, in Chez nous (Our Place) (extract)/Sister Flore Barrette, s.g.m., [195-196-]. Film 8 mm. Grey Nuns of Montréal’s Archives, F054A

Acquisition and Beginning

In the Fields

The Orchard

The Maple Grove

The Apiary

The Farm and Livestock

Women and Men

The Orchard

The Apiary